Before Megan and I knew we were having twins, and before I knew I was being made redundant, so clearly before I thought of this blog too, my poker buddies and I planned a sojourn to Nelson to watch Game 31 of this magnificent tournament. The match is USA v Italy, and its significance is its insignificance; a game played between two teams with little chance of making the play-offs but with nothing to lose. Watching this seemingly pointless match is an expression of our love of competition, comradeship and all of the things exemplified by the Rugby World Cup.
We are going for a few days, down and back on the ferry, combining elements of road trip, with fine dining, drinking and hopefully much hilarity. It will certainly be my last leer up for quite a while I'd imagine, so I plan to make the most of it. And that means a disruption to my usual dispatches. I intend to precis the next five games rather than offer my usual full-some attention. Of course I will be able to provide copious detail of the USA v Italy match on Wednesday, so that is a plus.
The Fiji v Samoa match is indeed a wrench for me. I dearly want the nation of my birth, Fiji to do very well, but after their thrashing by the Springboks they have no hope of qualifying for the Quarter Finals. Samoa on the other hand retain a realistic chance of advancing, but to do so it must be at the expense of their pacific cousins.
Realistically I think Samoa look the better, more disciplined team. If they can bring a bit more flair to their game they will not just trouble Fiji as the tournament advances.
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Megan here.....
And Hudsie was right. Samoa comprehensively beat Fiji.
Full crowd at Eden Park and from the couch it looked pretty 50/50 in terms of support. I watched the anthems, the haka-off, the first half and then fell asleep. Certainly Samoa were owning it and Fiji didn't seem to know what to do. It was surprising to hear that Fiji had won the last 3 of 4 encounters between the teams - they're outclassed today. Pleased there were some tries in the second half (for those who were awake), and pleasing too, to see a drop goal - just like Dan's last night, it's good to do these when you don't necessarily need to, so that when the need arises, you're prepared. That's what I think.
Hudsie is now in Nelson. There's no Sky where he's staying, so I'll keep this updated while he's away.
Final score: Samoa 27 - Fiji 7
26 games 158 tries.
Tweet of the match - "Samoa bossing this" @marty_57
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